The opening salvo of the 2025 NFL season was a mixed bag. It was a thrilling high for some teams and disappointing setbacks for others. The fans and analysts had been eagerly waiting to see how the last season’s Super Bowl matchup teams would start this season. While the Eagles rose up and delivered on expectations, the Chiefs fell flat on their face, leaving a tougher road ahead. Then there’s the curious case of Micah Parsons in Green Bay, breaking a near-century-old Packers jersey taboo. Feels like the prologue of a Netflix doc titled “The Lambeau Curse.” 

With all that drama setting the stage, let’s dive into the Week 1 power rankings, breaking down who soared, who stumbled, and who’s left with plenty to prove as the season unfolds.

Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones carved up the Dolphins. He scored three total touchdowns and orchestrated a 33-8 blowout. Coach Shane Steichen’s predictions of Jones as a quick-decision quarterback shone through. Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and balanced his attack with two goal-line rushing TDs, becoming the first Colts QB with two rushing scores in a season opener. Not just offense, but their defense woke up with creative blitz packages under coordinator Lou Anarumo. Kenny Moore II, Nick Cross, and Laiatu Latu recorded sacks and an interception. They outperformed all others in all-around effectiveness, separating them from all the other teams.

Philadelphia Eagles

Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts picked up neatly from last season, taking large rushing lanes and extending his NFL record to 16 games with multiple rushing touchdowns. Against Dallas in the second-most-viewed NFL season kickoff in history, the Eagles proved resilient. The game was delayed by lightning and marred by the pre-snap ejection of defensive tackle Jalen Carter. One of the major issues that popped up during the game was the secondary coverage. It remains uncertain, particularly opposite Quinyon Mitchell, as Adoree’ Jackson was flagged for a pass interference and missed two tackles in coverage. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio faces decisions on whether to switch corners ahead of their Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers impressed in his Steelers debut, tossing four touchdown passes and slipping past the Jets 34-32 in a hard-fought battle. It was like time-travelling back in time, specifically to Jan.11, when the Steelers faced the Ravens in their season-ending playoff. The run defense was a glaring weakness, giving up 182 rushing yards on three touchdowns. Injury to first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon was felt, but the issues extend beyond missing personnel. Ben Skowronek, aka “Dirtbag,” emerged as a key playmaker, snagging Rodgers’ first TD pass and recovering a fumble on kickoff coverage to help swing momentum.

LA Chargers

The Chargers announced themselves as serious contenders with a stunning 27-21 victory over the Chiefs in the first of the NFL’s record seven international games scheduled for the 2025 season, continuing the league’s growing presence in São Paulo. Mekhi Becton battled exhaustion and illness but remained on the field. Quentin Johnston, often maligned, made a major statement with five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing why he was a first-round pick. The Chargers’ offense exploded in the second half as Justin Herbert completed 13 of 16 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, carrying LA to a statement-making victory over the Chiefs.

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen was breathtaking against the Ravens. He compensated for a defense that couldn’t hold down Baltimore’s rush and allowed quick scores. He finished 33-of-46 for 394 yards with two passing and two rushing touchdowns. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver’s forced fumble late set Allen up for a go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes left, though the subsequent two-point conversion failed. The defense stiffened enough to force a three-and-out, allowing Buffalo to seal the game on a last-second field goal in a 41-40 thriller.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars’ defense, under first-year coordinator Anthony Campanile, looked sharper, with two forced turnovers and two fourth-down stops signaling a positive turn after a disappointing 2024. Safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis combined for four pass breakups, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Travis Etienne Jr., after facing offseason trade rumors, firmly claimed the lead back role with 143 rushing yards, including a pivotal 71-yard dash that set up a touchdown. Questions remain, particularly about their third-downs (7-for-14) and a costly defensive penalty that erased a pick-six.

Washington Commanders

After finishing last season near the bottom (30th) against the run, the Commanders’ front looked like a different unit. They frustrated the Giants to just 38 yards on 15 carries. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne stood out. And the pass rush harassed Russell Wilson into a bad completion rate. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to his old habits of missing out on accuracy. On multiple occasions, he threw behind his target, explaining his modest 3-of-8 success rate on crucial third downs. Still, he managed to rush for 71 yards and threw for 233 yards, keeping Washington in control en route to a 21-6 win.

Green Bay Packers

Micah Parsons’ debut for Green Bay was subtle but significant. While he didn’t notch a sack until the fourth quarter, he forced hurried throws earlier that led to an Evan Williams key interception. He even helped collapse the pocket, which resulted in Lukas Van Ness’ third-quarter sack. Jordan Love flipped doubts, completing 5-of-7 passes with two long touchdowns in the first half after a thumb injury absence. A key moment came in the second quarter when a 48-yard deep pass to Romeo Doubs set up a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed.

Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy made his mark in NFL history. The first QB to throw for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a debut, joining Steve Young in overcoming double-digit deficits. With just 48 passing yards in the first half, rookie Jordan Mason’s tough running fueled and repeated third-down failures, the Vikings’ comeback. After only 14 yards before halftime, Mason powered Minnesota on 68 yards and two key touchdown drives that put the team ahead 27-24 against Chicago.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield’s performance wasn’t polished, but he made plays with his legs, throwing two touchdowns and leading a late two-minute scoring drive. Tampa Bay’s offense struggled early, hindered by a reconfigured line and ineffective run game. Defensively, Todd Bowles’ aggressive scheme came with risks, exemplified by SirVocea Dennis being beaten for a critical 50-yard touchdown. But defensive stops and a clutch late-game touchdown from rookie Emeka Egbuka helped the Bucs edge the Falcons 23-20.

Baltimore Ravens

A brutal collapse marked Baltimore’s worst loss under Lamar Jackson. The final four minutes turned their fates. Baltimore became the first team since 2017 to blow a 15-point lead and lose a game in the final four minutes. Rudolph Derrick Henry’s crucial fumble let the Bills back in. Yet, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins dazzled on his team debut, snagging a remarkable one-handed 29-yard touchdown. It was his fourth one-handed TD catch, tying the NFL record with Courtland Sutton and Garrett Wilson. Henry took full responsibility postgame, lamenting his turnover cost.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders’ defense stifled New England’s high-flying offense in the second half, forcing shutout quarters after halftime. Geno Smith’s first drive ended in a 26-yard touchdown to Tre Tucker, and he distributed the ball effectively throughout. Tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers hauled in big receptions, 103 yards and 93 yards, respectively. It signaled a balanced Raiders attack. The ability to make halftime adjustments bodes well as tougher tests loom.

New York Jets

The Jets replayed last year’s script with late-game meltdowns. They lost two fourth-quarter leads against Pittsburgh despite Justin Fields’ career-class rushing and an improved pocket presence. Fields completed 16 of 22 passes, including a tight-window touchdown, showing potential growth. However, penalties and defensive breakdowns led to costly defeats that cast early questions about their trajectory.

Denver Broncos

Sean Payton’s promise of a better run game needs more time. Denver’s offense sputtered through turnovers and penalties until a late surge pushed them ahead 20-12 against Tennessee. Bo Nix’s struggles, two interceptions and a lost fumble, highlight durability concerns. Though the Broncos’ defense held strong, its ability to overcome short fields created by the offense will be tested early in the season.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona’s Week 1 offered bright glimpses amid frustrating inconsistency. Rookie Trey Benson flashed with a 52-yard run and a new career-high 69 yards, boosting an offense hampered by drive-killing sacks and penalties. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 45-yard catch shone, but four plays gained zero yards, showing room for improvement.

San Francisco 49ers

Despite losing star tight end George Kittle and LT Trent Williams to injuries, the 49ers pulled out a tight 17-13 win. Brock Purdy’s heroics led the comeback, but veteran kicker Jake Moody’s poor outing raised alarms. He missed two potential game-winning kicks. Moody became the first Niners kicker since 2006 to miss two field goals from inside 40 yards in a single game.
extending a troubling trend dating back to last season.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati’s offense sputtered after a strong opening drive against the Browns. Joe Burrow threw for only 103 yards late in the game, his fourth-lowest total. Top weapons Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins saw limited targets, forcing reliance on tight ends and running backs. Burrow recognized the need to diversify to justify their $161 million investment in Chase.

LA Rams

Matthew Stafford crossed a historic milestone with 60,000 passing yards, tying Matt Ryan for the second fastest. Wide receiver Puka Nacua carried the offense with 10 catches for 130 yards despite a concussion scare and needing stitches. The Rams’ offense, however, scored just 14 points, highlighting struggles that must be solved quickly.

Kansas City Chiefs

Without Rashee Rice (facing suspension), Jalen Royals (injured knee), and Xavier Worthy (injured shoulder), Patrick Mahomes was left all alone. The quarterback improvised but ultimately fell 27-21 to the Chargers in a rare stumble. The Chiefs’ defense couldn’t contain Justin Herbert, who tormented them after halftime with two touchdown passes. Despite shedding weight and working on his conditioning, Travis Kelce just couldn’t create the quick-impact plays he’s known for. The Chiefs’ loss ended an incredible streak of 17 straight wins in one-score games, a record in NFL history.

Dallas Cowboys

Despite losing a close game to Philadelphia, Dallas flashed offensive promise. The young offensive line surprised, while defense tightened after conceding 123 rushing yards in the first half. Drops from CeeDee Lamb and a costly Miles Sanders fumble near the red zone swung momentum. Sanders gave the Cowboys hope in the third quarter with a 49-yard run, his longest since 2020. But on his very next carry, he fumbled. After that, the Cowboys failed to reach Eagles’ territory on their next three possessions.

Chicago Bears

Ben Johnson’s offense started well, with Caleb Williams throwing 10 straight completions early. But the offense died down, and penalties  – 12 flags for 127 yards – killed any rhythm. They even racked up four false starts in the first half, showcasing the pre-snap penalties that have haunted them throughout training camp. Two defensive pass interference calls also gave Minnesota scoring chances, exposing a discipline problem with potential season-long implications.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons’ offense looked promising early but fell apart late. Michael Penix Jr. showed flashes with scrambles and one rushing touchdown, but lacked consistency in his deep throws. He scrambled for a crucial first down at the 1-yard line late in the fourth. Then, with 2:23 left, he broke free for a 4-yard touchdown run that put the Falcons ahead. Atlanta will need more of that clutch running from him in tight games this season. Loss of right tackle Kaleb McGary to a season-ending leg injury adds pressure on an already volatile offense.

Cleveland Browns

Kicking woes continued as Andre Szmyt missed a critical extra point and a potential go-ahead 36-yard field goal, directly contributing to a heartbreaking one-point loss. Rookie running back Dylan Sampson stood out, catching all eight targets and handling 20 touches, showing versatility that could be key with other runners sidelined.

New Orleans Saints

A parade of self-inflicted wounds doomed the Saints. Penalties, poor clock management, and a rare missed kick by Blake Grupe compounded frustrations. Cameron Jordan shone with 1.5 sacks and three pressures. But the offense must “clean up” to avoid continued losses, as per Spencer Rattler.

Detroit Lions

Detroit’s offense fell flat, failing to score a touchdown through three quarters for the first time since 2023. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa was the lone bright spot with a late 13-yard TD catch. Injuries loom large, especially with cornerback Terrion Arnold leaving early with a groin injury. This continues a trend that saw 21 players hit injured reserve last December, the most in the NFL. The Lions lost to the Packers 27-13.

Seattle Seahawks

The defense carried the Seahawks’ ship despite a weak offensive showing. Mike Macdonald’s unit bent but didn’t break, forcing turnovers and setting up scoring chances. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet competed for snaps (20-29). Charbonnet got more work and scored the team’s lone touchdown. Sam Darnold’s costly late fumble encapsulated the offense’s woes.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye’s accuracy issues persisted in a 20-13 loss. He finished 30-of-46 for 287 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Geno Smith outplayed him with key throws. The Patriots led 10-7 at halftime and got the second-half kickoff. Maye was hurried on a pass and threw a costly interception. The Raiders turned the pick into a touchdown and took control from there. Coach Mike Vrabel questioned the fourth-down punt decision that sealed their fate. The Patriots will have to shore up fundamentals fast.

Carolina Panthers

What looked like a late-2024 promise by Bryce Young vanished. He threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, and looked rattled despite a late touchdown pass. The team’s run defense looks as bad as last season. GM Dan Morgan tried his best to fix the worst run defense in the league, but failed miserably as the Jaguars controlled the game with 200 rushing yards. The Panthers lost to the Jags 26-10.

Tennessee Titans

New offensive coordinator Brian Callahan stuck with a run-heavy game plan under rookie Cam Ward. Ward showed poise but must improve throwing under pressure; he was sacked twice late and struggled with timing. The offense favored passing, just 28 to 21 runs, but failed to score in a 20-12 loss.

Houston Texans

Houston’s offense showed no signs of improvement despite offseason changes. C.J. Stroud was sacked three times and pressured on 41% of dropbacks, which limited his effectiveness. Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins was underutilized with just three catches, forcing the offense to rely on others amid scoring droughts.

Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill played out of sync, highlighting concerns over their chemistry. The two haven’t practiced together since December. The Fins struggled with game-changing turnovers. And despite a front seven designed to dominate, the defense faltered against the Colts’ relentless ground attack, surrendering 156 rushing yards in a lopsided defeat.

New York Giants

Poor offensive line play destroyed Daniel Jones’ and then Russell Wilson’s chances against Washington. Wilson was under constant pressure, completing only 2 of 12 passes under duress. The Giants’ offense stalled, scoring only six points, leaving the team facing an urgent need to improve or risk another 3-14 season.

Now the stage is set. The first week gave a glimpse of promise, surprises, and pitfalls. The tough calls and big moments are in front of you. Decide who’s better and who’s falling behind in this 2025 NFL season.